The Manacles

The Manacles is a notorious reef system off the Lizard Peninsula in south Cornwall, both feared by mariners and prized by divers. This treacherous group of rocks has claimed over 100 ships throughout history, creating a wreck-strewn seabed that is now one of Cornwall's premier dive destinations. The combination of wrecks, dramatic granite pinnacles, gullies, and swim-throughs supports exceptional marine life including crawfish, large lobsters, jewel anemones, and visiting basking sharks and blue sharks in season. The advanced rating reflects strong tidal currents that demand precise timing and local knowledge. Boat diving from Porthkerris or Coverack is standard. The Manacles exemplifies the best of British temperate water diving.